11550 Trost Road, Ida, Michigan 48140-9772.
We’re off and running!! On July 14th and 15th, 1990, the
Dundee Parks and Recreation Board sponsored the first annual show
for the Southeast Michigan Antique Tractor and Engine Association,
Inc. in Dundee, Michigan. It seems to be an omen for new
shows-watch out for RAIN!!! Ours was no exception. Saturday was a
damp and dreary day but the enthusiasm of those exhibiting was
running high.
The park is a wonderful setting for a show, lots of trees along
a winding river. The building on the grounds, which houses a
museum, was originally used as a factory for Henry Ford. Tractors
were lined up along the river from the large to the small: John
Deere, Gibson, Allis-Chalmers, International (McCormick-Deering),
Fordson, B.F. Avery, Minneapolis-Moline and Oliver were some of the
varieties represented.
A wide selection of engines were on board also. Equipment
demonstrations were going on all weekend. There was corn shelling
done by the Bogedain and Stevens families. Paul Frasier had his
water pump pumping and log sawing by Ottawa log saws. Dick Bressler
had his shingle mill going and Ray Willey had his sawmill working,
turning logs into lumber. Bill Turner had one of the largest
displays; his 1906 IHC Famous pump engine was quite an
attraction.
Children attending even got to make their own rope! There was
daily entertainment, arts and crafts and antiques enjoyed by all.
This was truly a family show.
A bigger and better show is being planned for July 12-14 for
1991.
